I was given a copy of this book by a friend and I found the story and the style very engrossing. The author clearly has had her share of adventures anI was given a copy of this book by a friend and I found the story and the style very engrossing. The author clearly has had her share of adventures and more than her share of disasters. It is interesting to read of her journey from the colorful world of Arcadian Louisiana, where she suffered at the hands of an abusive mother and a father who’s love for her blinded him to the sufferings of his children, to a life of fantastic wealth.

The writing style reveals a whimsical nature that belies the inner strength of the author as she pulls herself up from somewhat humble beginnings to a lifestyle of wealth that few can rival. But as she discovered to her horror, the type of personality that can amass such a fortune, is also one that is not prone to sentimentality or generosity when he decides that she is no longer to be a part of his, or even more devastatingly, their children’s lives. Cast out and outmaneuvered by a well conceived and executed divorce, she finds herself alone, deprived of home, money and children. The story could have been told as a hand-wringing tale of despair but somehow the author tells it all in a flowing, conversational tone, although some of the passages, such as the one where the judge takes her youngest daughter from her, are chilling to read.

I am not a Christian but I did take great interest in the author’s selection of biblical quotes, which she turned to when her life was falling apart. Even a non-believer can see the value in their wisdom. Her personal philosophy, that she puts forth in “The World According to Samantha” is worth the price of the book. Very amusing and pithy, reminiscent of Will Rogers or Mark Twain. Machine guns, bags of gold, deceit and betrayal, it’s all part of this amazing tale. Thoroughly enjoyable. Recommended. ...more

A remarkable if depressing account of man's inhumanity to man. It is amazing that the author survived the ordeal. The author brings a contemporary perA remarkable if depressing account of man's inhumanity to man. It is amazing that the author survived the ordeal. The author brings a contemporary perspective to the war that is missing from today's historical recounts. For example, he refers to the war as the "Slave Owners Rebellion". Truly the Confederate POW camps of the Civil War were the precursors to the atrocities of WWII. The author has a vast vocabulary and will have you reaching for a dictionary more than once. Very well written and worth a read for Civil War buffs. ...more